Posted by Andre Allard on June 4, 2000, at 5:58:49
In reply to chicken or egg, posted by Hermit on June 3, 2000, at 22:10:24
Your depression is likely caused by both chemical and behavioural factors, as are most cases. ADs will take care of the chemical aspect. The rest is up to you. Psychotherapy, cognitive, as well as behavioural therapy can assist you in improving your depression. I have found behavioural therapy to be the most helpful since I can practice it when ever I feel the need. This type of therapy consists of the "ABC" method. A is for the action or the event which has occured. B is for your belief or your perception of what has just occured. C is for the consequences or your feelings (depression) from your perception (belief) of what has happened (action).
For example:
I break up with a girlfriend (action). I think that I cannot be happy without her and that this is a disaster (belief). I feel very sad and depressed (consequence). Now, what behavioural therapy teaches you is to change your beliefs so that you do not become depressed. Remembering that you cannot change the action, this is how I would "rethink" what has happened.I break up with my girlfriend (action). Although it is disapointing that we have broken up, I know that in time I will get over her and that I will find someone else who I can share my life with (belief). I feel SAD and not DEPRESSED (consequence).
Do you see the difference? I have changed my belief and therefore I no longer feel depressed but sad. To get more info on this type of therapy and others, browse the net. Good luck!
poster:Andre Allard
thread:20862
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000603/msgs/35951.html